‼️ NEW LOOK THE MACKENZIE BY DEVOLD - NEW HOME, NEW COURES + NEW RUN OPTION ‼️
Race Rules
Compulsory Gear - Bike
All bikes must be in safe and serviceable condition.
All riders must wear a NZ safety standards approved bike helmet and carry 2 spare tubes (if appropriate), pump or CO2 shot, bicycle multi-tool, and chain lube.
The course is a mixture of sealed and unsealed road, farm tracks, river beds, and potentially some small creek crossings.
The Drover only
As the race will start in the dark you will need to have both a front and rear light:
- Front light - minimum 300 lumens
- Rear light - needs to be set on solid red (the strobe setting is not permitted)
- You are able to drop your lights at the Woolshed Aid Station
Compulsory Gear - Rider
Lake Tekapo is just over 700m above sea level. The weather can change quickly and there can be snow at any time of the year.
Minimum clothing required:
- merino or thermal long sleeved top,
- waterproof seam-sealed jacket,
- survival bag (not blanket)
- Basic first aid items - 4 non adherent dressing pads (ie Telfa), 6 bandaids, crepe bandage, paracetamol, strapping tape (no less than 1.5m)
You must also carry with you at least 1.5L of water and enough food to maintain your nutrition needs for the duration of the race. There are Aid Stations on course, however we will not be able to refill everyone's water bladders/bottles at every stop.
It is your responsibility to manage your nutritional needs during The Mackenzie race.
We recommend wearing padded cycle shorts and gloves (either wearing or taking with you in your pack).
Compulsory Gear - Runner
Lake Tekapo is just over 700m above sea level. The weather can change quickly and there can be snow at any time of the year.
The gear list below is compulsory. If you wish to carry extra items that you would usually take when running then please do so. While the Aid Stations will supply you with nutrition at various points along the course, it is recommended you carry with you any extra items you might require during the 30km - including any specific nutrition or fluid the Aid Stations may not provide.
You must carry the following with you in your pack:
- Long sleeved thermal/merino - this can be worn on you for the race
- An extra long sleeved thermal/merino top - you must have one thermal top spare in your pack (unworn) YOU DO NOT NEED 2 x THERMALS - you just need to ensure you have one dry thermal in your pack
- Waterproof, Seam sealed jacket
- Woollen or thermal hat
- Woollen or thermal gloves
- Emergency/survival bag
- Whistle
- Water – capacity for a minimum of 1.5 litre of fluid
- Any personal medication that you will/could require during the race
Recommended but NOT compulsory – Check the weather forecast!
- Water proof pants
- Neck gaiter
- Anti chafe cream
- Cramp Stop
- Thermal tights
The Compulsory Gear is not negotiable. There will be no exceptions made regarding specific items on the list. If you have any questions surrounding your compulsory gear (not discussions surrounding the necessities of carrying it), please email support@scenicsports.net
E Bikes
E Bikes are only permitted in the following races:
The Shepherd
The Huntaway
The Merino
There will be a separate E Bike category in these three races, although there won't be prizes due to the variations in models.
The E Bike category is not a race.
SHEPHERD RIDERS: If you feel that your battery will not last the entirety of the race, you will be able to leave a spare battery at the Bag Drop at the Fork Stream Café.
Pedal assisted E Bikes only.
E Bikes are not permitted in The Muster race.
General Race Rules - RIDE
You must attend the Race Briefing on the morning of the race.
You must be able to complete basic bike repairs yourself - self sufficient when dealing with punctures/chains.
If you are not carrying the correct gear you will be disqualified from the race.
Your race Number Plate must be visible on the front of your bike throughout the race.
General NZ road rules apply. Roads will remain open for the duration of the race. Keep left and watch for traffic. If someone is not following this rule they will be disqualified immediately from the race.
Traffic Management marshals instructions must be followed at all times.
Race marshals on course have the ability to hold any rider back while they liaise with the Race Director regarding any breaking of the race rules. Final decisions will be made by the Race Director.
The Race Director and Safety Manager have the right to remove any competitor from the race if they deem it necessary to do so. This relates to the ability of a rider being able to safely complete the event for any reason.
The race cut offs will be strictly adhered to. Anyone who does not make the cut off will be brought back to the Race Village by vehicle.
You must ride single file unless passing. If you wish to pass you need to call to the rider in front before passing, and then pass on the right. Check for vehicles BEFORE passing!
The river crossings will be managed by experienced personnel. All instructions must be adhered to. This is for your own safety.
The course may be altered at any stage due to weather, safety concerns, or for any reason deemed necessary by the Race Director. All competitors will be notified either by email or through Facebook the night before the race - or if a sudden change is required competitors will be notified at the Race Briefing on the morning of the race.
No support crews are required or allowed on the course.
Aero Bars are not allowed in any race.
Competitors must use the same bike for the duration of the race.
All rubbish must be taken with you until the next Aid Station or the Race Village when you finish. Do not discard of any rubbish during the course unless it is at an Aid Station or at the Race Village.
Music devices are not permitted as they pose a safety risk to yourself and fellow competitors.
General Race Rules - RUN
You must attend the Race Briefing on the morning of the race.
You must be carrying the Compulsory Gear for the entirety of the race.
If you are not carrying the correct gear you will be disqualified from the race.
All race numbers must be displayed on your front - please do not have your number underneath a jacket or attached to your back.
Race numbers must be visible at all times.
Your race number will have a timing chip attached - do not tamper with this. Race numbers are strictly non-transferable.
Race marshals on course have the ability to hold any runner back while they liaise with the Race Director regarding any breaking of the race rules. Final decisions will be made by the Race Director.
The Race Director and Safety Manager have the right to remove any competitor from the race if they deem it necessary to do so. This relates to the ability of a runner being able to safely complete the event for any reason.
The race cut offs will be strictly adhered to. Anyone who does not make the cut off will be brought back to the Race Village by vehicle.
The course may be altered at any stage due to weather, safety concerns, or for any reason deemed necessary by the Race Director. All competitors will be notified either by email or through Facebook the night before the race - or if a sudden change is required competitors will be notified at the Race Briefing on the morning of the race.
No support crews are required or allowed on the course.
All rubbish must be taken with you until the next Aid Station or the Race Village when you finish. Do not discard of any rubbish during the course unless it is at an Aid Station or at the Race Village.
Music devices are not permitted as they pose a safety risk to yourself and fellow competitors.
Age Restrictions
The Muster:
16 years +
The Shepherd:
14yrs +
The Huntaway:
14yrs +
The Merino:
12yrs +
The Pup:
5yrs - 12yrs
The Mountain Run:
18yrs +
MERINO: Any rider under 14 MUST have an adult enter the event and ride with them - this is to ensure younger riders have mechanical support at all times.
Younger ages may be permitted on a case by case basis. Please email the Race Director to discuss. kerry@scenicsports.net
Race Cut Offs
Please see each race distance page for specific Race Cut Offs.
The Drover and The Muster:
Riders will need to be able to ride at an average of 14km an hour to make the cut offs.
The Shepherd, The Huntaway, The Merino:
Riders will need to be able to ride at an average of 10km an hour to make the cut offs.
Scenic Sports Events runs under an approved Safety Management Plan. Audits take place regularly by ROSA.
19 March 2024: The safety audit established that the operator’s safety management system complies with the requirements of the health and safety legislation applicable
to the outdoors.
Next due 19 March 2027.
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